We Will Fight Them: Darkest Hour

By Pamela Zoslov

Darkest Hour chronicles the period following Winston Churchill's unlikely accession to UK Prime Minister in 1940 and his famous “We shall fight” radio address, a mere 48 hours later, stating that England would never compromise with or surrender to Hitler. The film was scripted by Anthony McCarten (who also wrote The Theory of Everything), for whom this episode in British history is a personal passion. The screenplay is adapted from a book McCarten wrote on the subject.

Gary Oldman, who is nearly as protean as Lon Chaney, is the umpteenth actor to portray “The British Bulldog.” Encased in masses of jowly makeup, Oldman persuasively affects Churchill's personality and mannerisms, or at least the way those are remembered through the unreliable prism of history. All that is recognizably Oldman are his eyes, which seem younger, and probably less bleary, than those of the prodigious drinker Churchill. (His daily alcohol intake was reportedly white wine with breakfast, champagne and brandy with lunch, two or three glasses of whiskey and soda in the afternoon, champagne and brandy with dinner, followed by more whiskey and soda.)

Pamela Zoslov's Favorite Movies of 2017

We bid farewell now to 2017, that most terrible, awful, Trump-cursed year. Good riddance, bad year! As always, the movie theater proved a good escape from the frenzied chaos, and the year brought us some excellent films, and not too many terrible ones.

My list of favorites includes two titles starting with "I," the first-person pronoun, and not one of this year's four movies with the word “Wonder” in the title. I did, however, like cinematography and Kate Winslet's performance in Woody Allen's Wonder Wheel. I didn't see everything this year, God knows, and have not seen some scheduled to be released soon, like The Post, All the Money in the World, Molly's Game and Phantom Thread.

The top movie on my list, Martin McDonagh's Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, is currently playing in theaters, and is getting the nominations and recognition it deserves. McDonagh, the Irish playwright whose infrequent movies have included the coruscating In Bruges and Seven Psychopaths, has had a popular breakthrough with Three Billboards, in which Frances McDormand plays a woman determined to get justice for her murdered daughter.

Cleveland Cinemas Rock Doc Series

[Press release from Cleveland Cinemas.]

Cleveland Cinemas will be hosting screenings of highly anticipated concert films and rock documentaries starting in September.

 

The films in this series are:

 

SLIPKNOT: DAY OF THE GUSANO

Tuesday, September 6th at 7:30 PM

Capitol Theatre (1390 W. 65^th St., Cleveland)

Admission: $12.50

DAY OF THE GUSANO documents not only a historic Knotfest Mexico City performance of Slipknot, one of the most exciting live bands on the planet, but delves deeply into the lives of the band's fans as well. Slipknot's fans, better known as "maggots", are essential to the band's legacy. This highly anticipated show captures the chaos, excitement and community that has been cultivated over the past 20+ years.

$5 Bargain Mondays Are Back at Cleveland Cinemas

[Press release from Cleveland Cinemas.]

Plus a Bonus Bargain Day for Marquee Rewards Members

 

Cleveland Cinemas continues its commitment to providing a quality movie-going experience at a great price as it has rolled back ticket prices on its popular Bargain Monday. All seats on Mondays are once again just $5!

“Cleveland Cinemas was the first in Cleveland to offer a discount day for movie goers,” says Jon Forman, President of Cleveland Cinemas. “We are happy to be able, to once again, offer our original Bargain Monday price of $5.”

 

Patrons visiting the concession stand on Bargain Mondays will also be treated to additional discounts on snacks. All popcorn and fountain drinks will be $1 off the regular price and kiddie combos will be discounted by $2.

 

Members of Cleveland Cinemas’ free Marquee Rewards program will be eligible for a bonus bargain day on Tuesdays. Members presenting their card can enjoy the same Monday offers at the box office and concession stand every Tuesday. Anyone who is not a Marquee rewards member can pick up a member card at any Cleveland Cinemas location. Once the card is activated online the new member can enjoy these discounts immediately.

Cleveland Cinemas is also pleased to announce that it has extended its Happy Hour specials at the Capitol Theatre, Cedar Lee Theatre and Shaker Square Cinemas. Happy Hour will now be every Monday through Thursday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with $1 off select beer, wine and cocktails.

Titles, show times and tickets are available at the theatre box office or online at clevelandcinemas.com.

 

Marquee Rewards Bargain Tuesday admission discount is available at the box office only and is limited to 2 tickets per member card. Bargain Monday and Tuesday pricing is restricted on select holidays. Bargain Monday and Tuesday admission pricing is not valid at the Apollo Theatre.

Cleveland Cinemas Special Holiday Programs this December

[Press release from Cleveland Cinemas.]

Clevelanders must have been extra nice this year because Santa’s bag is full of cinematic treats this December. Cleveland Cinemas will be hosting a variety of classic Christmas movies, as well as an encore of the Bolshoi Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker, offering something for everyone this holiday season.

A CHRISTMAS STORY

December 3rd at 1:00 PM, Capitol Theatre (1390 W. 65^th St., Cleveland)

This shot-in-Cleveland family favorite tells the story of Ralphie who only wants a Red Rider BB Gun for Christmas.

Admission is just $1. Playing in conjunction with the Gordon Square Arts District’s Wintertide event.

Cleveland Cinemas and Melt Bar & Grilled Partner to show "Major League" on the big screen

[Press release from Cleveland Cinemas.]

After the historic win by the Cavs earlier this year, our fair city finds itself on the verge of another championship! Cleveland Cinemas is thrilled that the Cleveland Indians will be going for their first World Series in nearly 70 years. To celebrate, Cleveland Cinemas is partnering with Melt Bar & Grilled to show MAJOR LEAGUE on Monday, October 24th at 7:30 PM at the following locations: Capitol Theatre (1390 W. 65th St., Cleveland), Cedar Lee Theatre (2163 Lee Rd., Cleveland Hts.) and Chagrin Cinemas (8200 E. Washington St., Chagrin Falls).

MAJOR LEAGUE is the hit 1989 comedy showcasing the Cleveland Indians whose new owner (Margaret Whitton) is setting them up for failure with the plan to move them to another city. Lead by veteran player, Jake Taylor (Tom Berenger) and a new rookie pitcher, Ricky Vaughn (Charlie Sheen), this would-be losing team shows them just what their made of and starts winning just to spite her.

Cleveland Cinemas Wants to Scare Your Pants Off in October

[Press release from Cleveland Cinemas.]

October promises to be a terrifying month for movie-goers in Cleveland thanks to the scary line-up of creepy and occasionally kooky films presented at various Cleveland Cinemas locations.

 

 

THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW* – The ultimate cult classic about a transvestite mad scientist and the creature he creates.

 

Cedar Lee Theatre (2163 Lee Rd., Cleveland Hts):

Saturday, October 2^nd at midnight

Friday October 28^th at midnight

Saturday, October 29^th at midnight

Tickets for the Cedar Lee Theatre $9.50 ($6.50 if you come in costume)

 

Apollo Theatre (19 E. College St., Oberlin):

Friday, October 7^th at midnight

Tickets are $6 for the Apollo Theatre screening

 

* With live floorshow by Simply his Servants at each showing.

Cleveland Cinemas Serves Up a Ghoulish Slate of Films in October

 [Press release from Cleveland Cinemas.]

October promises to be a terrifying month for movie-goers in Cleveland thanks to the scary line-up of creepy and occasionally kooky films presented at various Cleveland Cinemas locations.

Cleveland Cinemas Announces Its Fall Documentary Series

[Press release from Cleveland Cinemas.]

 

With subjects ranging from Hollywood legends and Rock ‘N Roll gods to the world’s oldest horse race and an incredible story of a fight over a lost and found human leg, Cleveland Cinemas will present eleven new documentaries as part of its FALL DOC SERIES.

 

Cleveland Cinemas and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History present Total Recall

[Press release from Cleveland Cinemas and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.]

 

The REEL SCIENCE film series, presented by Cleveland Cinemas and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, continues with a screening of the sci-fi action film TOTAL RECALL (1990) starring Arnold Schwarzenegger on Wednesday, August 12^th at 7:00 PM at the Capitol Theatre (1390 W. 65^th St., Cleveland, OH).

 

REEL SCIENCE presents films that do their best to tackle natural science on the silver screen – from stoically serious blockbusters to outrageously campy cult classics – and hear from Cleveland Museum of Natural History experts as they put these movies under the microscope to determine what the filmmakers got right and what would best be classified as “creative license.”

 

$1 Family Films at Cleveland Cinemas

[Press release from Cleveland Cinemas.]

 

Cleveland Cinemas is happy to announce its $1 FAMILY FILMS series, June 24 through July 29th, at the Apollo Theatre (19 E. College St., Oberlin), Capitol Theatre (1390 W. 65^th St., Cleveland), Chagrin Cinemas (8200 E. Washington St., Chagrin Falls) and Shaker Square Cinemas (13116 Shaker Square, Cleveland).

 

The series will kick off with showings of the critically acclaimed PADDINGTON and conclude with one of the late Robin Williams’ most beloved family films, JUMANJI.

 

“We’re excited to offer our $1 Family Films this summer,” says Ken Young, Cleveland Cinemas Director of Operations.  “With tickets priced at just $1, parents can take advantage of this low-cost opportunity to take their children to the theatre to see these great family films.”

 

Cleveland Cinemas and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History Partner for "Backcountry"

[Press release from Cleveland Cinemas.]

Cleveland Cinemas and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History have partnered to bring entertainment and education together in a new, on-going series that will take place at various Cleveland Cinemas locations.

The first film to be announced is BACKCOUNTRY which will have a special screening on Thursday, April 2^nd at 7:15 in advance of the film’s opening on Friday, April 3^rd at the Capitol Theatre (1390 W. 65^th St., Cleveland). The screening on April 2^nd will include an introduction and post-film discussion hosted by Harvey Webster, Director of Wildlife Resources at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

$1 Family Films at Cleveland Cinemas

[Press release from Cleveland Cinemas.]

Cleveland Cinemas presents a line-up a line-up of $1 FAMILY FILMS this winter. Each Saturday and Sunday morning at 11:00 AM for four weeks starting February 14th, select locations will be screening a collection of contemporary and classic family films.

Locations screening the films are: the Apollo Theatre (19 E. College Street, Oberlin), the Capitol Theatre (1390 W. 65^th St., Cleveland), Chagrin Cinemas (8200 E. Washington St., Chagrin Falls) and Shaker Square Cinemas (13116 Shaker Square, Cleveland).

“We’re excited to offer our $1 Family Films this winter,” says Ken Young, Cleveland Cinemas Director of Operations.  “With tickets priced at just $1, parents can take advantage of this low-cost opportunity to take their children to the theatre to see these great family films.”

Films, locations, dates and times are as follows:

Capitol Theatre to host Q&A with Appropriate Behavior Director/Star Desiree Akhavan

[Press release from Cleveland Cinemas.]

 

Movie lovers are invited to the Capitol Theatre (1390 W. 65^th St., Cleveland) for a special Q&A with filmmaker Desiree Akhavan following the 7:20 PM showing of her new critically-acclaimed comedy APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR on January 19^th. The Q&A will be conducted via Skype and projected on the big screen allowing the entire audience to participate.

 

APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR is the feature directorial debut for Akhavan who also wrote and stars in the film. She has been nominated for the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Screenplay for APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR.

 

Cleveland Cinemas to open 'The Interview' on Christmas day

[Press release from Cleveland Cinemas.]

 

Cleveland Cinemas will be opening the controversial SONY Pictures comedy THE INTERVIEW starring Seth Rogen and James Franco on Christmas Day at Tower City Cinemas (230 W. Huron Rd., Cleveland).

 

The plot of THE INTERVIEW involves TV reporter Dave Skylark (Franco) who has been invited to interview North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.  The CIA recruits him and his producer (Rogen) to assassinate Jong-un when they are in the secretive nation. THE INTERVIEW received international attention after it was pulled from release following the hacking of SONY’s computers which has been now credited to North Korea.

 

After an out-pouring of criticism from politicians, including President Obama, and a strong showing of support from independent exhibitors like Cleveland Cinemas, SONY has reversed their decision to pull the film and is sticking to their original release date of December 25, 2014 for THE INTERVIEW.

 

Cleveland Cinemas Serves Up a Ghoulish Slate of Films in October

BIG SCREAMS ON THE BIG SCREEN

 

October promises to be a terrifying month for movie-goers in Cleveland thanks to the scary line-up of creepy and occasionally kooky films presented at various Cleveland Cinemas locations.

 

Cleveland Cinemas Announces Melt Bar & Grilled Late Shift Titles

[Press release from Cleveland Cinemas - sorry we're a bit late posting this!]

 

Cleveland Cinemas has announced the titles for the second half of 2014’s MELT BAR & GRILLED LATE SHIFT. The series continues to showcase a variety of popular films from the recent and distant past that have developed enthusiastic fans over the years. Features will screen at the following Cleveland Cinemas locations: Cedar Lee Theatre (2163 Lee Rd., Cleveland Hts.) and the Capitol Theatre (1390 W. 65^th St., Cleveland).

 

“I’m excited by the line-up of films in the second half of 2014,” says Dave Huffman, Director of Marketing for Cleveland Cinemas and programmer for the Melt bar & grilled Late Shift. “We’re featuring works by some of my favorite filmmakers including David Lynch’s WILD AT HEART and John Waters’ CRY-BABY. I even got John Waters to sign a couple of tear jars for us to give away at our shows!”

 

The films showing in MELT BAR & GRILLED LATE SHIFT are as follows and special promotions are noted below each title.

 

Cleveland Cinemas $1 Family Film Series Starts June 18th

[Press release from Cleveland Cinemas.]

 

Cleveland Cinemas is happy to announce its $1 FAMILY FILMS series, June 18 through July 23rd, at the Apollo Theatre (19 E. College St., Oberlin), Capitol Theatre (1390 W. 65^th St., Cleveland), Chagrin Cinemas (8200 E. Washington St., Chagrin Falls) and Shaker Square Cinemas (13116 Shaker Square, Cleveland).

 

The series will kick off with showings of the Disney classic HONEY, I SHRUNK THE KIDS which is celebrating its 25^th anniversary this year.

 

“We’re excited to offer our $1 Family Films this summer,” says Ken Young, Cleveland Cinemas Director of Operations.  “With tickets priced at just $1, parents can take advantage of this low-cost opportunity to take their children to the theatre to see these great family films.”

 

Summer Doc Series at the Capitol Theatre and Cedar Lee Theatre

[Press release from Cleveland Cinemas.]

 

Documentary filmmakers pick their topic and then show their audience a glimpse into the complex world of their subject.  Real life can be funny, challenging and sometimes scary and good documentaries never shy away from whatever direction true events lead.

 

Cleveland Cinemas will present the following documentaries as part of its SUMMER DOC SERIES:

 

Wes Anderson Director Spotlight Series at Cleveland Cinemas

[Press release from Cleveland Cinemas.]

 

On March 21st, FOX Searchlight Pictures opens THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL, the latest film by Wes Anderson, at the Cedar Lee Theatre (2163 Lee Rd., Cleveland Hts.). In anticipation of the opening of THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL, Cleveland Cinemas is presenting four of Anderson’s previous films at the Cedar Lee Theatre and the Capitol Theatre which showcase the director’s quirky and unique cinematic voice.

The films in the Wes Anderson Director Spotlight Series are: